Continuing our tour of London’s best wine bars.
Background
When a relaxed, indie bar opens in Brixton, you know that the drink has finally shaken off the poshie ‘red trousers’ image and become cool. On the edge of Brixton Village market, which is now buzzing with trendy shops, but still with real local character too, new wine bar on the block Chix and Buck is a totally approachable shop/wine bar that aims to be ‘all things to all people’.
Importing direct from small producers in France, Germany and Italy, Chix and Buck has a small, eclectic range. There is a wine-tasting room next door to the shop that can hold private events for up to 12 people.
Owners
Ebullient ex-dancer Chix is the wine expert and front of house. Business partner Dan attributes the relaxed, unstuffy ethos of the company to his non-wine background.
Top wine pick
House wines from £4 a glass. Sparkling wines from Cognac region in France, from £5.50 a glass. Merry Widows sweet Samling, chilled by the glass £7.50 with a slice of blue cheese.
Food
Cheese and charcuterie boards from £7. Bread from local artisan baker Cannon and Cannon, with olive oil £2.50. Fruit cake and blue cheese (both £7.50 with a glass of dessert wine).
Who to take
Foodie locals. Pre-theatre and gig crowd. After work stop-off for a swift glass of wine while picking up a bottle for dinner. Late evening night cap. Brixton’s version of yummy mummies – woolly hats and skinny jeans.
The USP
Small, relaxed, inclusive, confident without attitude. Informal wine tasting evenings.
Any downsides?
There are dissenting voices in the community who feel that Brixton is gentrifying too fast. Nearby wine bar Champagne + Fromage was the subject of a protest when it opened recently. Others, however, have pointed out that small independent venues are not the enemy and that such protests are misguided. The debate rumbles on.
The Wine Parlour at Chix and Buck, 1&3 Vining Street, Brixton, London SW9 8QA. Twitter, Facebook
By Jenny Mackenzie, Twitter & Facebook.
Previously:
- 10 Cases Cave a Vin, Covent Garden
- Drakes, Fitzrovia
- Sign of the Don, City of London
- Vini Italiani, Old Brompton Road
- Vinoteca, Chiswick
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